train,transformer or both

Wow.  So many types of trains and so many types of transformers. Is there any other information that you can give us so that we can help you?

Here's one example of the many things that might be wrong:

If it's a Lionel® conventional Post War train, the E-unit is in the reverse position, and the E-unit lever is in the OFF position.

Tim,

It sounds like the E-unit might be magnetized. You can attempt an old stand-by check by lifting your engine off the tracks. Shake it, Shake it hard, not to worry you will not break it. If you're lucky you will hear a click indicating the E-unit tumbler moved forward one tooth. Place it back on the track, hopefully, it worked. Please Note: This is only a temporary fix. Keep us advised.

"Pappy"

It is possible that the electronic e-unit is either locked in reverse, or is faulty. Make sure the e-unit switch is in the 'on' position to allow the locomotive to sequence. If this does not work, the e-unit board is probably bad. See here page 13 for an explanation of the e-unit switch.

Larry

I have never heard of a transformer causing an electronic e-unit to fail in normal use, unless a voltage spike fried it during a derailment.

If the e-unit is locked in reverse, that could happen in normal physical handling of the locomotive.

You need to ascertain what is causing your problem.

Larry

It runs in reverse so the issue is in the loco. You're not killing it with your transformer. And Lionel says its a conventional loco.

Electronic?(no its conventional) Check for loose board plugs, & inspect wires if its electronic.

Early e-units(like yours) have a coil & plunger. Its travel turns a small drum, always in one direction. The drum has contacts on it, allowing a few "contact fingers" to either connect, or disconnect, for FWD-REV,or FWD-N-REV-N operation.

A wire loose, something under the fingers, or jamming the drum is the usual issue. E-coils do burn out, but not often.

Does it hit neutral? Does it hit reverse every few cycles, like the FWD is just "missing"?

Simply referring to this loco as a conventional #1645, 4-4-0 would likely be fine, Its road number is the easiest way to ID a Lionel 90% of the time.

Your set:  http://www.lionel.com/Customer...roductNumber=6-30018

Oh forgot to touch on "sticking". If you hit together a couple pieces of steel a enough, it can become magnetized. That happens to E-unit coil plungers sometimes. Hitting the metal stop over and over, can magnetize the plunger sometimes (I think the grain of the steel makes only some be affected.(??)). A better return spring, bumper, tape, modified tip, etc. can be added once its apart if the issue persists.     

The e-unit in the locomotive is electronic, not electro-mechanical as in postwar locomotives. Today's conventional locomotives are not command equipped, but still have electronic e-units. I am not aware if Lionel makes locomotives with the old style electo-mechanical e-units any longer.

Larry

it seems like the e-unit is locked in reverse and you may have the transformer to track reversed or connected to the ACC terminals. Ensure that you are on the A-U terminals closer to the center of the transformer. p.13 will discuss. click on photo at bottom.

here's the info on the set with downloadable manuals and instructional and troubleshooting videos.

here's where you find parts for 6-30018

Try it again being certain the smoke is turned off.

Did you get it working? Let us know what the solution was.

Ooops, it is a board E-unit. It is listed as a conventional 4-4-0. Guess it's because it doesn't have tmcc, or other controls?